Liam Duckstein
Messi Scores Historic Opening Goal as Inter Miami Christens Nu Stadium with 2-2 Draw
Lionel Messi marked the debut of Inter Miami‘s new 26,000-capacity Nu Stadium with a goal on Saturday, though the MLS champions settled for a 2-2 draw against Austin FC. The milestone completed a journey spanning more than a decade for the club to establish a permanent home in Miami.
David Beckham, the club’s co-owner, joined billionaire managing owner Jorge Mas for a pre-game ribbon-cutting ceremony. “To see this stadium come to life, after years and years of trying to get this stadium up and running in Miami, is something that’s very special,” Beckham said before kick-off. “I came to America in the MLS 20 years ago and I made a lot of promises. And 13 years ago I made a lot of promises again, announcing I was coming to Miami. Today it’s just a dream come true for us.”
Austin’s Early Disruption
Austin FC, entering the match with just one win in their previous five games, disrupted the celebratory atmosphere with an early strike. Guilherme Biro nodded in from a Facundo Torres corner after only six minutes to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Messi responded swiftly. Right-back Ian Fray burst down the flank and crossed for the Argentine, who equalized with a rare headed goal to make it 1-1. Inter Miami dominated possession afterward, carving out numerous chances, but Austin‘s counter-attacking threat remained dangerous.
Austin Regains the Lead
Austin struck again in the 53rd minute. Joseph Rosales dispossessed Messi deep in enemy territory and released Myrto Uzuni, who sent substitute Jayden Nelson through on goal for the go-ahead strike.
Coach Javier Mascherano deployed veteran striker Luis Suarez in the 73rd minute. The Uruguayan equalized eight minutes later, prodding home from close range after Messi‘s corner was flicked on by German Berterame in the Austin defense. Suarez thought he had secured a winner when he finished from close range after Messi‘s free-kick rebounded off the crossbar, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
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